With the support of the 2023 Queens Arts Fund (QAF) New Work Grant I have spent this year developing my new play Access Granted - an exploration of a Haitian American woman's quest to heal intergenerational trauma, and the impact of immigration.
"Writing this play was a life affirming, exploratory, and enlightening journey."
"Producing this October 18th workshop reading has been a joy filled, collaborative experience."
-Magaly
About the October 18th Workshop Reading
Access Granted is a mixed-media play with sound and movement. The work explores the impact of immigration on the spirit of Haitian people of the diaspora - from the historic Haitian Elite Exodus which took place during Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier’s terrifying rule (1957-1971) to the 1991 migration by boat. It also explores the impact of family separation which impacted thousands of Haitian families who left their offspring in Haiti with caretakers as they sought to create a stable home for them in the United States.
In preparation for this presentation, I have collaborated with director Aixa Kendrick, sound designer Oja Vincent as well as our talented cast to explore the soundscapes, movements and interactions that bring to life a nonlinear, intergenerational magical, healing play.
Play synopsis
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Haitian American Marie calls upon her Haitian ancestors to help her daughter Grace free her mind from the grip of negativity, the cancel culture, and the digital world to find her way to her predestined spiritual path. Both figuratively and literally trapped by the effects of spiritual toxicity and social alienation, Grace is taken on a multidimensional journey to find her spirit's song. Can a community of ancestors help Marie guide and save her daughter?
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Sagine Sémajuste is a multi-hyphenate first generation Haitian-Canadian actress, voice actress and dancer. She's been featured in numerous commercials and voiceover projects. her Film and Television credits include: Faith Heist, The Lake, Grand Army and Pretty Hard Cases. IG @SAGINESEMJUSTE YT @saginesemajuste8587
Candice Clarke (as "Grace")is an actor, singer, and writer from Brooklyn, NY. She is excited to be on stage and create art with other actors, directors, writers, and producers.
Candice Jean-Jacques graduated from Towson University then attended Circle in The Square Theatre School. She thanks Magaly for this compelling venture! and her acting teacher John Anthony, for his wizardry.
Farrah Cine is a Haitian American actor raised in Brooklyn, NY. Graduated from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting conservatory program she has played roles from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller. She has studied with Master Teachers Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Michele Shay, and Andrew Wade.@farrahcine
Blake Morris (he/him) is a NYC-based storyteller & mover. He is thrilled at the chance to lend voice & spirit to bring forth this beautiful new work. IG @mookies_theory
Tommie Thompson - actor,singer: Opera Ebony, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Wiz, Lola Falana Tour, Sable Series Paul Robeson-Take Wing & Soar, Widow and Miss Mamie : Audelco Award -Best Actor: -mysticmissions@yahoo.com
Aixa Kendrick: City College of New York Theater Program (1991-1996); Lincoln Center’s Directors Lab (2008-2009); Weaves multimedia bridges of cultures, ancestral spirit & soul story using stage, cinema, music/song & movement. www.AixaKendrick.com IG @AixaKendrick
Oja Vincent - As a sound painter and creator of sonic environments as well as being a first generation Haitian-American, it is an honor and pleasure to lend my services as a part of this production. In this work we honor the ancestors (past & living) through active solidarity.
IG @Gemdroppazu
Cassandra Gutterman-Johns (she/her) is a Stage Manager from Salem, Oregon. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and is excited to be a part of this new work.
JNK Enzo (they/ze) is an actor, director, and screenwriter working in performance, film, theatre, and digital technology/new media. They have an MFA in Performance and Interactive Media Arts. www.jnkenzo.com IG @og.enzothis work we honor the ancestors (past & living) through active solidarity.
Horacia Rojas Venezuela born & raised Multi-disciplinary Visual artist whose work goes from Fashion to documentary photography to Filmmaking. Currently based in Queens, NY. Www.Horaciorojas.com
IG @Horaciorojasr
Jasmeene Francois is a Haitian-American theatre artist, storyteller, Applied Theatre Practitioner, and dramaturg from Riverside, California. She specializes in facilitating workshops centered around oral storytelling, devising, and creative writing that address home and belonging. Jasmeene is currently an instructor with The Moth Community and Education program and an adjunct lecturer at Brooklyn College.